Alexander diamond in rough season

Five weeks ago, Danario Alexander was an afterthought for Chargers fans and fantasy owners alike. A transaction that excited no one.

Today, it's fair to say Alexander is the best offensive weapon the Bolts have to offer and a waiver wire gem in the fantasy world. He's owned in 84 percent of CBS leagues, but only 27 percent of ESPN leagues. That's insanely low.

With the fantasy playoffs upon us, and draft position now officially weighing on most Chargers fans minds, it's time to focus on one of the few bright spots this season.

Alexander hasn't only flourished -- he's led the team in receiving yards every game he's played in -- he's helped balance out the receiving corps by allowing Malcom Floyd to return to his more natural role as a No. 2 receiver.

Floyd has been the model of consistency across from him, catching four balls, four of the last five weeks -- he caught six against Tampa Bay -- for anywhere between 48 and 67 yards including three total touchdowns.

In his short time in San Diego, Alexander is second in yards (467), first in yards per catch (18.0), second in touchdown receptions (3), second in catches of 20-or-more yards (6) and second in first downs (21).

In only five games, he's surpassed Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal combined in those categories. Meachem and Royal have 341 yards, three touchdowns, five receptions of 20-or-more yards and have generated 17 first downs this season.

I wrote this a few weeks back:
"His size is almost identical to Vincent Jackson. They're both 6-5, and between 220 and 230 pounds. His play-making skills match-up favorably with Jackson as well. The Chargers' downfield passing attack is predicated on fast, physical, tall receivers. There's no doubt Jackson left a huge void in Norv Turner's offense. Meachem and Eddie Royal certainly haven't been able to fill it."

Am I saying Alexander can replace Jackson going forward? Yes, I am.

Don't forget, Jackson didn't have much of a pedigree coming out of Northern Colorado as a second-round pick. He was a physical freak who made his name against the likes of Adams State College and Florida Atlantic.

Compare that to Alexander, who dominated in the Big 12, against Oklahoma and Texas.

His senior year at Missouri, he finished with 113 receptions for an NCAA best 1,781 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 15.8 yards per reception.

Literally, the only thing that has been able to stop him has been health issues, but it appears that's all behind him. At 24, he's worth the risk and a year younger than Ryan Mathews, someone who has a quarter of the playmaking ability he has. Jackson, by comparison, is closing in on 30.

With Vincent Brown almost healthy, the Chargers once again have the makings of a serious pass attack, especially for next season. Assuming they can hypnotize Philip Rivers to forget the past two years and replace his entire offensive line.

For the fantasy playoffs, Alexander is the only offensive player on the Chargers I'd recommend starting. Even against tough secondaries like the Steelers, Panthers and Jets. At worst, he's a WR2 or top flex option depending on your depth at the position.